Hi everybody,I just received a JWP as a present. I am fairly new to bonsai and need some advise in how to proceed from now on with my new tree.I've attached four views, any comments, suggestions are welcomed.

Unfortunately the tree looks like it has a bit of a problem with the long, straight section between the bottom two branches and the next set that are above them. It also looks like there is or has been a wiring issue with it, as one of the lower branches looks a bit wire scarred. I would remove all the wire by cutting it off as it looks like some of it that has been applied isn't actually doing a lot in terms of giving shape to the branches. I would seriously consider air layering the top part of the tree above the two lower branches to remove the top section and allow it to be grown on, and then develop the bottom part to fatten it up and hopefully develop a nice shohin - apparent wire damage notwithstanding.

Thank you very much for your suggestions. It looks like the tree has big problems caused by careless training done in the past. I wonder if there are different actions I can take from now on, air layering a JWP is very difficult hence only an expert should carry out such procedure. Yes the shohin could be another option but I will probably have to accept to loose the top part.Anyone else with more suggestions?

I don't think that bottom branch is accidentally wire scarred, but intentionally wired tight to fatten the branch by constricting it, and allowing the brak to grow over top it. The bark has already grown over it, so I wouldn't try to remove that wire.

Nice little tree, a lot of potential. Guessing from the look of the bark it really does not look beyond the point of bending, either with thick gauge wire or binding of some kind. Would need to know thickness of the trunk to say for sure though, could you post something with the tree for scale or pot size? Pines and most conifers remain rather flexible for a while. Just hack off that scarred up branch. That will always have reverse taper in that spot, unless a back bud appears or graft is applied behind the scarred area to thicken this section of branch (never say never). Thanks for sharing. -Jacob

If you are going to have a "front" (See Arthur J's last message in his Bonsai at the NC Arboretum thread), that honor would have to go to picture three.

This tree is not too large to wire. But I'd wrap branches (and trunk) in raffia or something else before doing it.

_________________Jim Lewis - lewisjk@windstream.net - Western NC - People, when Columbus discovered this country, it was plumb full of nuts and berries. And I'm right here to tell you the berries are just about all gone. Uncle Dave Macon, old-time country musician

Thank you Jim. I appreciated your reply, I read the NC Arboretum last thread. As I said in my first post I am not a bonsai expert. I need guidance, may be with same sketching, showing what I am suppose to do for istance when you refer to wire the tree. At this stage a step by step advise would be very helpful. I hope I am not asking too much.